HLG EXPANDS LIST OF NAIA SPORTS TO INCLUDE TRACK AND FIELD

Hannibal, MO—The Hannibal-LaGrange Athletic Department will add men's and women's track and field to its expanding list of NAIA sports offerings, beginning the fall of 2007.

“Adding a track and field program to our growing athletic department will provide another avenue for prospective student athletes to compete on the college level,” said Dr. Tom Hufty, vice president for collegiate affairs and administrator for the athletic department. “Since we already have a growing cross-country program, it was an easy decision to begin making plans to include track and field to our athletic program offerings.”

The HLG Trustee Board enthusiastically approved the addition of the track and field program during the last full-board meeting. Dr. Woodrow Burt, HLG President, highlighted the connection of the new track and field program to the Building for the Future capital campaign. “The addition of new programs is another component of our capital campaign initiative,” continued Burt. “As we expand and build new facilities, we hope to continue to develop new programming in both athletic and academic areas. Track and field is a tangible symbol to show our neighbors we are “building for the future” by meeting the educational needs of tomorrow's student,” said Burt.

The team will consist of 30-50 student athletes who will receive scholarships for participation. Hufty believes they will have a strong qualified pool of colleges and universities from which to schedule meets. “One hundred forty-four NAIA colleges and universities have a track and field program. Fourteen of these schools are located within a five hour radius of Hannibal-LaGrange College,” added Hufty. “We still have some details to work out with the implementation of this program; however, we are excited about the quality students that a track and field program will bring to HLG.”

HLG's Athletic Department staff has already begun the student recruiting process with plans to hire a head coach by the end of May.

HLG is a Division I NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) school and a member of the America Midwest Conference. Those interested in the HLG men's and women's track and field program should contact Jason Nichols, assistant athletic director, at extension 300.